"This is the word we were waiting for"said Colonel David Elicerio, the BCT Commander "The news last week came as a surprise to all of us Ever since the early rumors about this deployment back in 2005, we have relied upon official orders to make our plans I know such caution can be frustrating for those who want speed but I believe the tradeoff in accuracy is worth it"

The extension order states the Red Bulls will be extended for 125 days past their original return date The Soldiers can now expect to return to their families around August "The extension order only tells you are you extended It does not lay out in details of your mission in the future"said Lieutenant Colonel Larry Herke, the BCT Executive Officer "The detailed operational order is being developed now The Red Bulls can honestly say they are they best in the world at the Theater Security mission We have all the cutting edge training, equipment, and vehicles We certainly are disappointed by the delayed homecoming but there is no doubt we are the best Soldiers for this mission"

The seven battalions of the brigade provide convoy and base security across Iraq Comprised mainly of National Guard Soldiers from Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, and New Jersey, the citizen Soldiers have already patrolled over 15 million miles of Iraq, inspected tens of thousands of vehicles, discovered hundreds of IEDs, upgraded over 600 armored vehicles, and reenlisted almost a thousand Soldiers

"I think everyone was a little shocked by the news"said Command Sergeant Major Douglas Julin, the BCT Command Sergeant Major "It's hard on families, on employers Everyone was making plans for a Spring reunion back home But, we've made it this far, we can make it thought this"

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.